Gateway SX2840-01 Desktop PC (Black)

by Gateway

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 3.9 x 13.9 x 10.4 inches ; 12 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 18.5 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B00318COA2
• Item model number: SX2840-01
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,229 in Computers & Accessories (See Top 100 in Computers & Accessories)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: January 17, 2010

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Gateway SX2840: Compact Entertainment Center

A third the size of normal desktops yet with full power for entertainment and gaming, the Gateway SX2840-01 desktop fits anywhere. If your available desk space is taken up by a large monitor for your movies and games, you'll appreciate the minimalist design of this compact entertainment center. Burn through the hottest new digital media, content creation and advanced 3D gaming with the breakthrough performance of the Intel Core i3 processor--with 4-way multitasking processor power to work on four tasks simultaneously. And the installed 6 GB of memory delivers ultra-fast system response to effortlessly multitask and run the latest multi-threaded applications.

The slim Gateway SX2800 desktop.

Use the digital device deck, recessed into the SX's top, to hold your MP3 player, camera or other technology. And a photo frame button lets you quickly go through your digital pictures, and an eject button for the optical disk drive makes quick work of switching movies and games. At the bottom front is a multi-in-one media card reader for transferring files from your digital devices, plus USB and audio ports.

While small in size, the Gateway SX is chock full of external ports, including both FireWire and eSATA connections. Enjoy the next generation of video playback with the HDMI output, which allows a single cable to transmit uncompressed high-definition video and audio to your digital TV or capable external monitor.

Pre-installed with the Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium operating system (64-bit version), you'll be able to easily create a home network and share all of your favorite photos, videos, and music. Windows 7 is the easiest, fastest, and most engaging version of Windows yet. Better ways to find and manage files, like Jump Lists and improved taskbar previews, help you speed through everyday tasks. Windows 7 is designed for faster and more reliable performance, so your PC just works the way you want it to.

---

Key Features

• 2.93 GHz Intel Core i3-530 dual-core processor for a fast, responsive PC experience (4 MB L3 cache). It comes equipped with Intel HD Graphics, an advanced video engine that delivers smooth, high-quality HD video playback, and advanced 3D capabilities, providing an ideal graphics solution for everyday computing. Intel's Hyper-Threading Technology enables each core of your processor to work on two tasks at the same time, delivering the performance you need for smart multitasking.
• Energy-saving 1 TB SATA hard drive revolves at a variable RPM--meaning full speed when you need it, plus energy conservation.

  The Gateway SX desktop PC offers a sleek, compact design that takes up very little desk space.

  A handy device holder, recessed into the top of the SX with a grip-like feel, provides a convenient place to rest your camera, MP3 player, camcorder or more while downloading media.

• 6 GB DDR3 RAM (1333 MHz; upgradeable to 8 GB)
• Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X4500HD provides a rich media experience, delivering smooth playback without add-on video cards or decoders. Intel Clear Video Technology combines video processing hardware and software technologies to enhance the visual experience. And Intel HD graphics assures sharper images, richer color, and lifelike video and audio.
• 16x DVD±R/RW SuperMulti Drive
• HD audio provides your system with the support it needs to handle the most cutting-edge audio content (including 7.1-channel surround sound). Plus, you'll hear more of your tunes and tones, with auditory playback coming out at a higher quality than systems without HD sound.
• Dolby Home Theater suite of technologies delivers virtual surround sound from stereo speakers or any pair of headphones.
• Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000)
• Multi-in-One digital media card reader compatible with CompactFlash (Type I and II), CF+ Microdrive, Secure Digital (SD) Card, MultiMediaCard (MMC), Reduced-Size MultiMediaCard (RS-MMC), xD-Picture Card, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO
• HDMI port for connecting to a compatible HDTV or home theater receiver for uncompressed digital audio and video via a single cable. Also includes standard analog VGA video output.
• Next-generation eSATA port (combined with one of the USB ports) offers a transfer speed of 3GB/s, delivering enhanced scalability and doubling the bus bandwidth for high-speed data retrieval and saves. It allows easy sharing and transfer of entertainment content and digital media on external devices.
• Gateway Recovery Management enables you to create a default backup disk and an application and driver backup disk, restore the system to factory default, reinstall apps and drivers, manage password settings, recover from the hard drive ,and recover from your factory recovery disk.
• Windows 7 Home Premium makes it easy to create a home network and share all of your favorite photos, videos, and music. And you can watch shows for free when and where you want with Internet TV on Windows Media Center. Get the best entertainment experience with Windows 7 Home Premium.
• Get more features with Windows Anytime Upgrade. It's the best way to add features to Windows 7, takes as few as ten minutes, requires no software or downloads, and you'll keep your existing programs, files, and settings. Windows will walk you through the simple upgrade process.
• Pre-loaded software includes Microsoft Works SE 9.0 for word processing and spreadsheet work. Enjoy a 60-day trial version of Microsoft Office Home and Student 2007.
• Dimensions: 4 x 12.5 x 10.5 inches (WxDxH)
• Weight: 12 pounds
• Warranty: 1 year parts and labor with toll-free technical support

What's in the Box

Networking, Connectivity & Expansion
This desktop provides ultra-fast Gigabit Ethernet wired networking. It includes one PCI x1 Express slot (available), one PCI x16 Express slot (available), one 3.5-inch HDD bay (occupied), and one 5.25-inch ODD bay (occupied).

• 9 USB 2.0 ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players (5 in front, 4 in rear)
• 1 FireWire (also known as IEEE 1394 or i.Link) port for connecting digital video camcorders and other peripherals
• 1 eSATA ports
• Video out: HDMI and 2 DVI
• Headphone and microphone jacks; digital audio output
• Surround sound speakers (5 audio ports)
• 2 PS/2 ports for connecting a keyboard and mouse

What's in the Box
This package contains the Gateway SX2840-01 desktop PC, power cord, mouse, keyboard, and printed documentation

It also comes with the following software: Microsoft Works (applications for word processing, spreadsheet, calendar, and e-mail); 60-day trial of Microsoft Office 2007; Norton Internet Security 2009 (60-day trial); Google Toolbar

Product Description

Gateway SX2840-01 Desktop PC comes with these specs: Intel Core i3-530 Processor 2.93GHz with Intel Hyper-Threading Technology, Windows 7 Home Premium, Intel H57 Express Chipset, 6144MB DDR3 Memory, Integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X4500HD Graphics, 1TB SATA Hard Drive (Green Product - variable RPM), Multi-in-1 Digital Media Card Reader, High-Definition Audio Support with 5.1-channel Audio Support, 9 - USB 2.0, Keyboard and Mouse, 12.0 lbs. | 5.4 kg (system unit only), 1 Year Parts and Labor Limited Warranty with Toll-Free Tech Support, Registration/ Limited Warranty Card, Norton Internet Security Suite 2009 Trial

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

57 of 60 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Terrific Value, February 3, 2010

By 

Michael Rojek (Honolulu, HI) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Gateway SX2840-01 Desktop PC (Black) (Personal Computers)

The Gateway SX2840 is a terrific value, and this cannot be understated. With its i3-530 processor (which is very highly rated and supposedly easy to overclock), 6GB of DDR3 Ram, the H57 mobo, 1TB green HDD and Windows 7 Home Premium, you could expect to pay $700+. An equivalent computer from Dell or HP runs $720+, as does one built yourself through NewEgg. With the addition of an HD4650 or a 9800GT (low profile), this can be a competent gaming rig as well.

The reason for 4 stars instead of 5 is purely to do with Gateway. I haven't purchased a pre-made computer in years, and now I remember why. Gateway does not include recovery disks, instead provides software to burn them (3 DVDs of Windows 7 and bloatware). However, you can expect a dozen or so disks to fail the burning process. I called asking how to clean install, and after taking 30 minutes to register me, forwarded me to a "software help line" that wanted to charge me. I called again explaining that I could not burn recovery disks and that this was a common problem according to the internet. The tech agreed, and said they would send out physical copies, but they are not available yet. She requested i call back in a few weeks. I e-mailed Gateway asking how to do a clean install of Windows 7 without bloatware, and they responded with a form letter on how to use the recovery partition (to factory default).

If you're a casual or HTPC user, you cannot beat this value, and you will likely have no problem living with the bloatware that Gateway, or any other manufacturer puts on. If you are more of an advanced user, with ideas of doing a clean install, expect drama. I got a Windows 7 disk from a "friend", and entered my product key, but this required calling Microsoft's help line. If you follow this strategy, remember to enter your product key when it first asks, don't click next and install without.

I purchased this computer for its parts, not the Gateway name, and saved nearly $200.

May 24, 2010: I recently installed an HD5570 video card, and highly recommend it. I now have the following Windows Experience ratings: Processor 6.9, Memory 7.0, Graphics 6.7, Gaming graphics 6.7, Primary hard disk 5.9. For the price, this is still unbeatable.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gateway SX2840-01, February 23, 2010

By 

PS - See all my reviews

This review is from: Gateway SX2840-01 Desktop PC (Black) (Personal Computers)

I upgraded to this machine from an oooooolllldddddd Sony Vaio Pentium 4 2.2 Gig. The Gateway is obviously a step up from my old dinosaur. For the money, you can't go wrong unless you are an extreme gamer. I opened Nero 9, Photoshop CS2, Itunes, Google Chrome, all while running a full scan with Norton with zero lag. It handles HD video uploads and editing without any problem. The tower is somewhat compact, but the are numerous vent holes in the back and side of the tower and a large internal CPU fan for proper air circulation. I have never been a Gateway fan, but you can't go wrong with this machine. The only thing it lacks is a wireless card in case you want to set it up near a living room HDTV and your router is in another room (to take advantage of the HDMI port to stream Netflix videos to your TV). Like most PC's today, the Recovery and Application disks are not included with the machine, but you can easily burn them with 4 blank DVD's (in case your hard drive is wiped out in the future). Bottom Line: If you want a great machine but don't want to shell out a ton of cash, buy this machine.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Runs Too Hot, Crashes, August 24, 2010

By 

Jason Block - See all my reviews

This review is from: Gateway SX2840-01 Desktop PC (Black) (Personal Computers)

I've had this computer since March 2010. The computer crashes because it gets too hot. I watch videos in my browser and the hard drive--which is cramped into one end of the box without proper ventilation--over heats and shuts down the computer. I have returned for repairs twice. The first time they replaced the hard drive (maybe a bad bearing?). Sadly the shipping was only paid one-way and cost me $60 for insurance and packaging. Worse the computer came back and the problem did not go away. I worked through the chat support again (very CLUNKY) to get them to take the machine back to repair a second time. Unfortunately the computer came back with a note indicating that they could not recreate the problem. To my utter frustration, they evidently didn't take the time to watch an hour of web video in an 80 degree, sun lit office to witness the meltdown (literally). The problem is simple and repeatable. I consider it a basic design flaw. The ram, the video circuits, and hard drive are jammed in the front of the box without any air flow. According to the hard drive temp monitor that i installed, the drive was getting to about 55 degrees celcius (into the "Danger zone" according to the app) and then quit.

I agree with the others that this machine looks like a good deal on paper. However, the support is very weak and frankly the design is flawed. I'm currently working to create a specific scenario for the repair staff to test so that they can recreate the problem. Not sure what they'll do about the problem once they recreate it... maybe cut a huge hole in the other side panel and stick a fan in it. ;)